The IPL 2025 restarts with a bang and a roar as Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to the field electrifies fans in Bengaluru. From full-throated chants at Chinnaswamy Stadium to trending hashtags online, the former RCB captain’s comeback has reignited Kohli fever and boosted team morale at a crucial point in the season.
Kohli’s return, however, comes amid mounting challenges for the IPL, with star overseas players like Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc, and Liam Livingstone exiting early due to national duties and injuries. Their departures have left franchises scrambling to recalibrate team strategies and tap into their benches at a pivotal stage of the tournament.
Despite the turbulence, the crowd energy in Bengaluru was unmatched, with Kohli’s every move—whether a warm-up stretch or boundary hit—met with deafening cheers. RCB’s management hopes his presence will lift the squad’s performance as they aim to break their elusive title drought this season.
League organizers too feel the pressure to keep the momentum going, with fan hopes rising and team lineups changing. With Kohli leading RCB’s revival and young Indian talent rising to the occasion across franchises, IPL’s second half holds drama, grit, and legendary cricket moments in store.
